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Senate plans noon test vote on minimum wage

The Senate is scheduled to take a test vote at noon Wednesday in whether to raise the minimum wage--and it's expected to fall short.

Sixty are needed to continue considering the measure. Democrats control 55 of the Senate's 100 votes, and virtually all are expected to back the increase to $10.10 from the current $7.25.

While some Republicans are seeking a compromise, others are balking. "Those who are being hurt the most in the Obama economy are the most vulnerable among us – young people, Hispanics, African-Americans and single moms,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, during Tuesday's debate.

“They are the ones paying the price for the great stagnation in which we find ourselves. The undeniable truth is if the president succeeded in raising the minimum wage, it would cost jobs from the most vulnerable.”

Democrats plan to fight back hard, and vow to make this a big issue in the 2014 midterm elections.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Wednesday sent out a memo saying "A majority of Americans agree that raising the minimum wage is an 'absolute priority,' because it would benefit nearly 28 million American workers across all ages and races, including over 15 million women. That would lead to more economic growth, improve workers’ productivity, and give more working families a chance to succeed and get ahead."

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